Dumebi

"Dumebi"
Single by Rema
from the EP Rema
ReleasedMarch 24, 2019
Genre
Length2:59
Label
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)Ozedikus
Rema singles chronology
"Iron Man"
(2019) 		"Dumebi"
(2019) 		"Ginger Me"
(2020)
Music video
"Dumebi" on YouTube

"Dumebi" is the debut single by Nigerian singer and rapper Rema.[1] Produced by Ozedikus, the song became a sleeper hit.[2] Its success spawned five remixes, including a version featuring American singer Becky G on February 13, 2020, and four additional remixes on March 22, 2020.[3]

Background

Rema wrote the song in 2019 while working with Ozedikus in the studio.[4] The song was his major breakout hit.[5][6][7] Its popularity soared when it was featured on Barack Obama's summer playlist.[8]

Composition

"Dumebi" is primarily an Afrobeats song, but it also incorporates elements of afropop and dancehall, creating a party-friendly bop. The track, produced by Ozedikus, features a prominent piano riff and a slow, chord-based beat, which builds into a catchy flow. The song's lyrics, sung by Rema, describe a girl who uses her beauty to captivate the hearts of boys, with a catchy hook and melody that complements the infectious beat.[9][10]

Music video

A music video for the song was released on May 20, 2019, featuring a cameo appearance by Diana Eneje.[11] The video, directed by Ademola Falomo, shows Rema roaming the streets with his friends. As of March 2024, it has garnered 73 million views on YouTube.[12]

Certifications

Region Certification Certified units/sales
France (SNEP)[13] Platinum 200,000‡
France (SNEP)[13] Gold 100,000‡
Switzerland (IFPI Switzerland)[14] Gold 10,000‡

‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

References

  1. ^ "DUMEBI: Rema Poses With His Gold Certification Plaque In France".
  2. ^ Dennis. "Akon reacts to Rema's Dumebi and his sound". Groove Africa. Retrieved March 6, 2024.
  3. ^ "Rema feat. Becky G – Dumebi (Remix) – Premiere". 1883 Magazine. February 14, 2020. Retrieved March 6, 2024.
  4. ^ Bella, Naija (December 10, 2019). "Rema caps off an Amazing Year with Features on Rolling Stone & Pitchfork's Best Songs of 2019 Lists with 'Dumebi'". BellaNaija. Retrieved March 6, 2024.
  5. ^ Mide, Michael (October 5, 2021). "Rema's 'Dumebi' Receives Gold Certification in France". NotJustOk. Retrieved March 6, 2024.
  6. ^ Anthony, Udugba (August 16, 2023). "Rema's Billboard record spotlights journey of Nigerian music on world stage". Business Day. Retrieved March 6, 2024.
  7. ^ Modupeoluwa, Adekanye (December 11, 2019). ""Dumebi" Make Pitchfork's 100 Best Songs For 2019". The Guardian. Retrieved March 6, 2024.
  8. ^ Joey, Akan. "MEET REMA, THE 19-YEAR-OLD THE OBAMAS PUT ON THEIR SUMMER PLAYLIST". Highsnobiety. Retrieved March 6, 2024.
  9. ^ Bella, Naija (April 11, 2020). "Rema's "Dumebi" is Everyone's Favourite, Including Rihanna". BellaNaija. Retrieved March 6, 2024.
  10. ^ Jude, Chukwuemeka (October 6, 2021). "Rema's 'Dumebi' Gets 15 Million Streams in France". Cool FM Nigeria. Retrieved March 6, 2024.
  11. ^ Antoinette, Isama (May 21, 2019). "Rema's New Music Video for 'Dumebi' Is Here". OkayAfrica. Retrieved March 6, 2024.
  12. ^ "See the music video for Rema's "Dumebi"". The Native. 21 May 2019. Retrieved March 6, 2024.
  13. ^ a b "French single certifications – Rema – Dumebi" (in French). Syndicat National de l'Édition Phonographique.
  14. ^ "The Official Swiss Charts and Music Community: Awards ('Dumebi')". IFPI Switzerland. Hung Medien.